Myriad Jiu Jitsu Safeguarding Policy

329-331 Brockley Road, SE4 2QZ, info@myriadjiujitsu.com

Effective Date:16/04/2026
Review Date: 01/04/2027

Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO): Shanti Gorton

CSO Contact Information: shantigorton@gmail.com

We are a member club of the UKBJJA - please see their full safeguarding policy here.

1. Introduction

MYRIAD Jiu Jitsu is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful and positive environment for everyone participating in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).

This policy outlines the club’s safeguarding responsibilities and the steps taken to protect children and young people (under 18), adults at risk, and all members, coaches, volunteers and visitors.

This policy should be read alongside the UKBJJA Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, which sets out the safeguarding standards and procedures followed by all UKBJJA affiliated clubs.

Clubs must follow the practical safeguarding guidance set out in Part C – Practical Safeguarding Guidance for Clubs & Events.

Where there is any difference between this club policy and the UKBJJA Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, the UKBJJA policy will take precedence.

2. Policy Statement

MYRIAD Jiu Jitsu recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all members and participants.

The club is committed to:

  • Prioritising the welfare of children and adults at risk

  • Promoting a safe and respectful training environment

  • Ensuring safeguarding concerns are taken seriously

  • Working in partnership with UKBJJA and statutory authorities where required

The club adopts the safeguarding principles set out in the UKBJJA Safeguarding Policy & Procedures.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)

The Club Safeguarding Officer is responsible for:

  • Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within the club

  • Promoting safeguarding awareness

  • Ensuring safeguarding information is accessible to members

  • Escalating safeguarding concerns to UKBJJA where appropriate

Coaches, Volunteers and Staff

All coaches, volunteers and staff must:

  • Act in accordance with this safeguarding policy

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Complete required safeguarding training

  • Report safeguarding concerns promptly

Members and Parents

Members and parents should:

  • Support a safe and respectful environment

  • Raise concerns where safeguarding issues arise

4. Raising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise from:

  • Direct disclosure by a child or adult

  • Observations of behaviour or changes in behaviour

  • Concerns about the conduct of adults

  • Patterns of poor practice

Individuals do not need proof to report a safeguarding concern. Concerns should be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

The CSO will escalate concerns to the Club Owner or Head Coach, and to the UKBJJA Lead Safeguarding Officer in accordance with UKBJJA safeguarding procedures, if appropriate.

If someone is in immediate danger, the police should be contacted immediately.

5. Safe Coaching Practice and Professional Boundaries

Coaches and leaders hold positions of influence and must maintain clear professional boundaries.

Coaches must:

  • Treat all participants with respect and dignity

  • Ensure physical contact is appropriate and necessary for coaching purposes

  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a child in isolated spaces

  • Maintain professional communication with participants

  • Avoid behaviour that could be interpreted as inappropriate or exploitative

Coaches must not:

  • Engage in sexual or intimate relationships with anyone under 18

  • Engage in relationships where a significant power imbalance exists

  • Use sexual jokes, inappropriate language or degrading comments

  • Blur professional boundaries with participants

Detailed expectations for coaching practice are set out in Part C of the UKBJJA Safeguarding Policy.

6. Recruitment and Training

The club follows safer recruitment practices.

All coaches and individuals working with children must:

  • Hold current Enhanced DBS / PVG / Access NI clearance where required

  • Complete safeguarding training

  • Meet first aid requirements where applicable

Individuals must not undertake unsupervised activity with children until appropriate vetting checks are completed.

7. Code of Conduct

The club maintains a Code of Conduct which sets out the expected standards of behaviour for coaches, volunteers, members, parents and spectators.

The Code of Conduct helps promote a respectful training environment and reduce the risk of safeguarding concerns.

All members are expected to follow these standards.

8. Photography and Social Media

The club recognises that images and online communication require appropriate safeguards.

The club will ensure:

  • Parental consent is obtained before photographing or filming children

  • Images are appropriate and used responsibly

  • Photography does not take place in changing areas

  • Online communication with children relates only to legitimate club activity

Coaches must avoid private or secretive messaging with junior members.

9. Whistleblowing

The club encourages anyone with concerns about safeguarding or inappropriate behaviour to speak up.

Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be supported and protected from retaliation.

Concerns may be raised with the Club Safeguarding Officer or directly with UKBJJA.

10. Monitoring and Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or when changes occur in UKBJJA safeguarding guidance.

Date of Policy Implementation: 16/04/2026

Date of Next Review: 01/04/2027